The Chargers have taken the first step toward reuniting with future Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates, as general manager Tom Telesco confirmed L.A. had reached out to Gates’ representation on the matter, according to the Los Angeles Daily News’ Jack Wang.

“Obviously, Antonio would be a natural fit,” Telesco said on San Diego station 97.3 FM. “He’s someone that we have talked to. We’ve talked to his representatives. Sometimes, it’s not just as easy as saying, ‘Hey, let’s just bring him back. Let’s go.’”

Gates was released earlier this offseason after the team decided to allow their young star TE, Hunter Henry, to take on full starting duties. But a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sidelined Henry before mandatory minicamp even got underway.

After making $5 million one season and given the fact that Gates would play the 2018 campaign at 38 years old, it made sense for the team to move forward with Henry on the roster. But with him reduced to a spectator, it’s unlikely that TE Virgil Green can provide the same type of impact a nearly 40-year-old Gates could in 2018.

And that’s a testament to not only Gates’ greatness, but his commitment to conditioning at this stage of his career.